Mohammed Shami takes subtle dig at Team India selectors, makes bold statement

Kolkata: After delivering a match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants' star fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, has returned to his home turf—the Eden Gardens. Ahead of the Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants clash scheduled for Thursday, Shami has issued a subtle yet firm warning to the opposing team. While KKR is currently on a quest for victory following three consecutive defeats, Shami is all set to capitalize on the home-ground advantage.

What did Mohammed Shami say?

On Tuesday, during the unveiling of the third season of the Bengal Pro T20 League—and in the presence of KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and Rinku Singh—Shami remarked, "Playing at the Eden Gardens always offers a home advantage. You understand the local conditions and the behavior of the pitch because you have played cricket here for a long time. If I play against KKR here, as a local player, I will certainly reap the benefits of that advantage."

Did Mohammed Shami Take a Dig at Selectors?

Known for his simplicity and his ability to stay grounded in reality, Shami made an interesting observation regarding his bowling. He stated, "We are working men; our job is simply to bowl. Life will inevitably bring its share of ups and downs and injuries, but one must never forget the hard work put in at the grassroots level. If you chase after too many 'fancy' things, they will eventually become your weaknesses. These days, everyone seems obsessed with social media."

Shami further added that he was born into a farming family and has never lost touch with his roots. Describing Bengal as his *Karmabhoomi* (land of work/destiny), he vowed that he would continue to play for Bengal as long as there was life left in him. Emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket, he affirmed that his hunger for the game remains undiminished.

What about Mohammed Shami's Current Form?

Since making his comeback from injury, Shami's performance has been nothing short of spectacular. In the recently concluded Ranji Trophy, he claimed 37 wickets at an average of 16.72, finishing as one of the top six wicket-takers in the tournament. In the previous IPL match, he took two wickets for just 9 runs while playing for the team captained by Rishabh Pant—an spell that included 18 dot balls. Although he is currently out of the national squad, his current form could spell major trouble for the KKR batsmen at Eden Gardens.